Kindergarten Goals & Curriculum
The Kindergarten child learns new concepts through experimentation and discovery. Children solve problems and make predictions by observing objects and people in the world around them and by making connections to what they already know. Children at this age are able to think in more complex ways.
The Kindergarten curriculum is both thematic and interdisciplinary. We study in greater depth Torah stories and Jewish and American holidays. We incorporate social studies, art, mathematics, and science into all aspects of the curriculum. We study thematic units based on the interests of the children in the classroom. Units might include “all about me,” the family, author studies, bugs, and other topics in science and/or mathematics. Themes emerge from the children’s ideas and interests, and our teachers and classrooms support these interests.
Throughout the day, block area, dramatic play, art activities, sand and water play, outdoor play, movement, cooking, circle time, story time, and music contribute to the growth of the children. Many of these activities are done in small groups to ensure that each child is actively engaged in all parts of our program.
We believe that Kindergarten children learn best through discovery, inquiry and hands-on activities. The theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Vivian Gussey Paley and John Dewey. Inquiry and play encourage students to ask questions, investigate, gain knowledge and then reflect on their findings. This promotes higher level thinking and risk taking, and promotes the greatest use of language between students and between teacher and students. The use of language is necessary for all further learning.
While understanding that children develop and mature as individuals at different rates, there are basic milestones that each child should reach through the Kindergarten experience. Through daily interaction with children, teachers, and materials, children continue to develop in the following areas throughout the year.